Local authority wants to stop burying cash in the ground

Blackborough End landfill site. Waste is compacted into the ground just outside Middleton

Published:09:33Wednesday 08 February 2012

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THE hunt is on for a cheaper and greener alternative to burying rubbish in the ground.

On Tuesday, February 14, Northants County Council’s cabinet will discuss a strategy to divert rubbish away from landfill sites.

If approved the strategy will see the start of a procurement process in which they will invite companies to tender for seven-year-long contracts to dispose of non-recyclable waste.

Ben Smith, councillor for the environment said the cost of sending rubbish to landfill was becoming increasingly expensive and was looking for the waste management industry to come up with innovative ways to get rid of non-recyclable waste.

Mr Smith added: “The county council is not looking to invest its capital in new facilities, but make full use of the facilities that the waste management industry offers.

“In addition the solution we are looking for will not only have to be cost-effective but will also have to be environmentally friendly.”

In 2014 the cost of sending a tonne of waste to landfill will rise to £105 (up from around £77 per tonne) and could rise to £134 per tonne by 2019. That would equate to £23 million per year to bury rubbish in the ground.

Chris Millar, chair of the Northants Waste Partnership said value for money in a key local authority service was incredibly important and added: “Another potential benefit of these new contracts will be to stimulate local jobs.”